The sun had completely set, casting Hikarashi Village into the warm glow of hanging lanterns and softly burning torches. The streets, once bustling with traders and shinobi, had quieted, leaving only the distant chatter of villagers finishing their meals and shinobi on night patrol.
The mountainous silhouette of the Homurakage's monument loomed over the village, its carved faces of past leaders standing silent beneath the starlit sky. In the distance, the sound of water rushing from a nearby river filled the air, blending with the occasional chirp of crickets and rustling of trees.
Kenshiro stood with his arms crossed, watching as Serena sat quietly, still grappling with her emotions after hearing the news about Blaze.
He exhaled softly, then turned toward Ryuji and Aiko.
"Take them to your house for the night. They need rest."
Ryuji's face lit up.
"Oh hell yeah! You guys are gonna love it!"
Aiko, standing beside him, clapped her hands together excitedly.
"We'll make sure you're comfortable! And besides, you should meet my grandmother—she makes the best dumplings in the whole village!"
Jasper, who had been leaning lazily against a wooden fence, stretched and sighed.
"As long as there's a bed, I'm good."
Kenshiro's expression grew serious as he turned back toward the training grounds.
"I also need to check on Kaizen. He's been training alone since we got back, and I don't want him pushing himself too hard."
Sienna gave a small nod.
"I've observed his chakra output since earlier. It's been increasing steadily, which means he hasn't stopped since we arrived."
Serena finally spoke, her voice quieter than usual.
"So, you're saying he's overworking himself?"
Kenshiro nodded.
"Exactly. He's always been like this—too stubborn for his own good. I'll handle it. You all go rest."
With that, he turned on his heel and vanished in a flicker of motion, disappearing into the night.
Ryuji grinned.
"Alright! Let's get moving!"
The streets of Hikarashi Village were alive in a different way at night.
The warm glow of hanging paper lanterns lined the rooftops, their gentle swaying casting shifting shadows across the cobblestone paths.
Small vendor stalls, though mostly closed, still had wooden signs fluttering in the breeze, some displaying hand-painted kanji of famous jutsu techniques for sale.
The smell of grilled meats, miso soup, and freshly steamed dumplings drifted through the cool night air.
Chunin-level shinobi in dark uniforms moved along the rooftops, patrolling the village with focused gazes, while older shinobi sat outside their homes, drinking warm tea and quietly conversing about the day's events.
Occasionally, a burst of chakra energy flickered in the distance, signaling a night-training session deep within the shinobi academies.
Jasper couldn't help but whistle.
"This place is straight out of an old samurai movie."
Aiko giggled.
"Well, we are shinobi, after all."
Serena walked slightly behind the group, her eyes distant, her thoughts elsewhere.
Sienna, sensing her emotional state, walked beside her, offering silent support.
Ryuji, oblivious to the heaviness in the air, pointed ahead.
"We're almost there! Our house isn't super fancy or anything, but it's cozy."
Jasper raised an eyebrow.
"I don't need fancy. I need a bed that isn't inside a metal spaceship."
Aiko smirked.
"Then you're in luck!"
After a short walk, they arrived at a traditional shinobi household nestled between two large cherry blossom trees that swayed gently in the night breeze.
The house was modest but welcoming, built in a classic Japanese style with a sloping tiled roof, wooden sliding doors, and a small stone garden in the front yard.
Soft candlelight flickered from inside, and the scent of herbal tea and incense wafted through the air.
Aiko slid the door open, calling inside.
"Grandma! We have guests!"
An elderly woman, dressed in a soft crimson kimono, emerged from the kitchen, her silver hair tied neatly in a bun. Her eyes were sharp, filled with wisdom and warmth.
"Ah, travelers from beyond our world. Welcome to our home." she said kindly, bowing slightly.
Sienna returned the bow respectfully.
"Thank you for your hospitality."
Jasper also bowed—awkwardly, but he tried.
Serena simply nodded, her thoughts still distant.
The elderly woman smiled and gestured inside.
"Come, come. You must be tired. I will prepare tea."
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the wooden flooring and soft candlelight surrounded them, giving a sense of peace and safety—something they had not felt in a long time.
For now, at least, they had a moment to breathe.
But outside, beneath the watchful eyes of the ANBU, the village remained on high alert.